By Edzorna Francis Mensah
Government has assured that it is working within the law to appropriately compensate individuals, businesses, and families affected by the ongoing Accra Marine Project.
According to the Minister for Land and Natural Resources, several claims for compensation were submitted to the Lands Commission following the publication of the Executive Instrument, and “out of the claims received, the claim by Afia Africa Hotel has been assessed and duly paid.
The Minister, Abu Abdulai Jinapor, in responding to a Parliamentary question from MP for Sissala West, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has assured the MP and said, “all those affected by the acquisition, that Government remains committed to paying the appropriate compensation, in accordance with Article 20 of our national Constitution and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).”
The MP for Damongo stressed that the compensation for four (4) other claimants, namely, Dream Realty, Vaxe Enterprise, Developing Women for Mobilisation, and Spaans Babcock Holdings BV, has been approved by the Lands Commission and communicated to the Ministry of Tourism for payment.
“The Commission is awaiting release of funds from the Ministry of Tourism to make payment,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Minister emphasised in his submission that Spaans Babcock Holdings BV has instituted an action in court, challenging the quantum of compensation approved by the Lands Commission, and “this matter has to be resolved before the compensation to the company can be paid”.
He further stated that other claims have not been processed due to conflicting claims, but he was quick to add that the Lands Commission is working with the relevant parties to resolve the conflicting claims to be able to settle compensation.
The land earmarked for the Marine Drive Tourist Development Project, measuring approximately two hundred and forty-one acres (241 acres), was acquired in 2016 by the State Lands—Accra—Qsu (Site for Marine Drive Investment Project) Instrument, 2016 (E.I. 59).
